GUIDE TO LIFTING BEAMS AND SPREADERS · There is a harmonised European Standard, EN 13155, which...

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A GUIDE TO LIFTINGBEAMS AND SPREADERS

DLHONLINE

Tel: 0845 270 2919 - INT: 00 44 161 223 1990 - Email: [email protected] - Web: www.dlhonline.co.uk 1

Overview

This easy-to-read and comprehensive guide to lifting beams andspreaders contains information extracted from the LEEA guidance - Theverification of spreader beams, lifting beams and lifting frames.

It covers all aspects of the selection, design, manufacture,verification, testing, repair, modification, storage, inspection and safeuse of lifting beams and spreader beams.

The table of contents (Next page) lists the sections covered andcontains links to each section. For ease of use, each section is linkedback to the table of contents.

Tel: 0161 223 1990 - INT: 00 44 161 223 1990 - Email: [email protected] - Web: www.dlhonline.co.uk

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Table of contents

Sections Title PageNo./link

1 Why use a lifting beam? 32 Lifting beam –v – Lifting spreader 43 Variations 54 Making sure the load is stable 65 Multi-purpose designs 96 Standards for lifting beams and spreaders 107 Documentation 118 Design standard 129 Technical file 1210 Verification methods 1411 Verification through calculation 1512 Verification through test 1713 Load testing with weights 1814 Load testing by means of an applied force 1915 Verification of lifting beam with moving parts 2016 Verification of ancillary items 2217 Attaching the lifting beam to the crane and load 2318 Beam markings and identification 2419 Markings 2520 Considerations for headroom 2621 Storage 2722 Instructions for safe use and maintenance 2823 In-service inspection of lifting beams 2924 Verification of repairs and modifications 3025 Our Services 32

Contacting us 33



1. Why use a lifting beam?

Lifting beams, frames and spreaders are usually designed and built fora specific purpose. The range of designs and capacities is thereforeonly limited by practicality.

It is important to take care in selecting the right type of beam to beused and to plan the lift taking the following into account:

· Application requirements - to reduce headroom, provide multiplelifting points, to provide adjustable lifting centres, to handle outof balance loads, to remove or control inward or crushing forces,to allow for special load attachments.

· Calculations to be made will include the capacity, both of theoverall beam and of the loading of the individual lifting points.

· Another important consideration is the centre of gravity of theload to be lifted, together with any accessories and orattachments used - slings, grabs, shackles, hooks, magnets,vacuum pads etc.


(Back to table of contents)


2.Lifting beam – v – Lifting Spreader

Lifting beams, Lifting frames and Lifting spreaders are a means ofproviding two or more lifting points from the hook of the liftingmachine or crane spaced so as to match the position of the liftingpoints on the load. The difference lies in the way the forces aretransmitted.

A lifting beam is loaded in bending.Typically a simple lifting beam will have asingle lifting eye above the beam whichengages with the lifting machine hook andlower lifting eyes at points on the undersideof the beam to connect to the load.

A spreader, often called a spreader beam,is actually a strut loaded in compression.Typically a simple spreader will have asuspension sling which connects the liftingmachine hook to the ends of the spreaderwhich are then connected to the load. Thisarrangement enables the sling to lift, e.g. Acable reel from its axle whilst preventingthe sling legs damaging the drum flanges.

The design of modern spreaders is usually much more sophisticated butthe principle is the same. In practice a combination of beam andspreader is often used and whilst the terms are often usedinterchangeably, the equipment itself is not interchangeable. It mustbe loaded in the manner for which it was designed.




3. Variations

Another variation of the lifting beam is one designed to connect twooverhead travelling cranes and provide one or more lifting points.

This facilitates tandem lifting.The total lifting capacity canbe that of the two cranes lessthe self-weight of the beamand any allowance foruncertainty in the sharing ofthe load.

Most lifting beams and spreaders will bedesigned for specific applications e.g. Alifting beam for use with vacuum pads orlifting magnets to lift long flexible loadswhich needs support at regular intervals topreventsagging.

A spreader might be designed to lift a loadsuch as a vehicle or boat, lifting it fromthe base but keeping the slings clear ofeasily damaged areas.



4. Making sure the load is stable

Lifting beams and spreaders are often used whenthere is limited headroom. Ideally it is best if theattachment points on the load are above its centre ofgravity as that will ensure that the load will alwayshang in a stable position.

However if the lifting beam or spreader is connectedto the load by slings which attach to the load below

its centre of gravity, care is needed to ensure that the load will bestable when lifted.

A typical application of thiskind might be a containerlifted from the base. Thelifting beam is connected tothe container base by fourvertical single leg slings.

When viewed from the side,the lifting beam, containerand slings form the four sidesof a rectangle.

Without triangulation the foursides form a mechanism which can deform into the shape of aparallelogram. That is what happens if the load is unstable and startsto topple.(Continued next page)



Looked at from the side, thefigure left illustrates the situation.

The forces which prevent or causetoppling come from the verticaldistance from the seat of thelifting machine hook to the slingattachment points on the liftingbeam (A) and the distance of thecentre of gravity above theattachment points on the skid (B).

The centre of gravity will alwaystry to be as far from the hook aspossible. If (A) is greater than (B)the arrangement will be stable.The larger the difference, themore stable the arrangement will

be. However if (B) is greater than (A), the arrangement will beunstable and will topple. The relationship between dimensions (C) and(D) also affect stability. If (C) is greater than (D) the arrangement willbe less stable.

The issue of stability should be considered at the lift planning stageand not left to checking at the time of rigging.

The static friction at the pivot points can be sufficient to allow a wellbalanced load to be lifted vertically. However when a travel motion isstarted this can be sufficient to break the frictional grip and, once theload starts to topple, there is no going back.

(Continued next page)



The example described is a four pointlifting arrangement but the sameproblem can occur with otherarrangements.For example a load held by two slingsin basket hitch, one at either endconnected to a straight lifting beam.Viewed end on, the load is heldsecurely with triangulation providedby the basket hitch.However, viewed from the side,there is the rectangular mechanismsupporting the load from below thecentre of gravity with only thefriction between the slings and theload to stabilise it.

Lifting beams often have a profiledplate eye to engage with the lifting machine hook. This keepsdimension (A) to a minimum but can cause stability problems for thesetypes of applications. The obvious way to ensure stability is fordimension (A) to be significantly greater than (B) and this is where aspreader, suspended by a sling, often has the advantage over a liftingbeam.

Alternatively the combination design previously referred to can beused. In this the beam is suspended from a sling connected part wayalong the beam rather than at the ends. It increases the (A) dimensionand the forces in the beam are a combination of bending andcompression.




5. Multi-purpose designs

Lifting beams and spreaders can also be designed for multi-purposeapplications.

There are two basicapproaches to this.Lifting beams canhave adjustablelifting points whichcan be moved alongthe beam to suit theparticular load.

Spreaders can be made in modules which are assembled into theconfiguration required.Lifting beams andspreaders of these typesmake it cost effective forone off or limitedapplications.

Lifting beams can also bedesigned for applicationswhere the load is to be

intentionally tilted or where the position of the top suspension eyeneeds to be adjusted to match the centre of gravity of the load.Designs which incorporate adjustable lifting points or tilting facilitiesshould take account of the possible operator errors in not adjusting ortilting accurately.




6. Standards for lifting beams andspreaders

There is a harmonised European Standard, EN 13155, which specifiesthe requirements for lifting beams and spreaders. It deals with allthese variations as well as specifying the fundamental requirements.Buyers are advised to specify this standard.

Lifting beams are classified as lifting accessories and fall within thescope of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008. Thecurrent harmonized standard BSEN13155:2003+A2:2009m: Cranes –Safety – Non Fixed Load lifting attachments. This standard should beadopted as best practice to ensure conformity to the minimumrequirements of the Machinery Directive.

Prior to this standard and the Directive there was no specific standardfor the manufacture of Lifting Beams. Manufacturers would often,therefore, work to the requirements of other standards for weldablestructural steels, such as BS 449 and BS 2573.

For the verification of lifting beams, the International LabourOrganisations (ILO) code of practice for Safety and Health in Portsincluded a sliding scale of proof forces linked to the capacity of thelifting beam.

However these values were not adopted in EN 13155 and, for highercapacities, are in conflict with the minimum requirements of theMachinery Directive.

Once in service lifting beams fall under the Provision of Use of WorkEquipment Regulations and the Lifting Operations and LiftingEquipment Regulations (LOLER).




7. Documentation

Lifting beams are classified as lifting accessories and fall within thescope of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008.

It is therefore required that they are supplied with an EC Declarationof Conformity and instructions for use and maintenance (refer to 3.3).

The EC Declaration must contain the followinginformation:

· The name and address of the manufacturer.

· The name and address of the manufacturers authorisedrepresentative.

· The name and address of the person responsible for compilingthe technical file.

· Description of the equipment, Type, serial number, WLL, self-weight (including ancillary equipment, details of the ancillaryequipment supplied attached or to be used with the equipment.

· Standards and specifications used.

· Place and date of the declaration.

· A declaration claiming conformance with the essential health andsafety requirements as defined in the directive 2006/42/EC

· Name, position and signature of the person making thedeclaration.




8. Design

When designing Lifting Beams and spreaders it is important that theminimum requirements of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulationsare met in full. This part of the guidance will address the criteria thatmust be considered, though it is also recommended that BS EN 13155 isfollowed.


9. Technical File

The technical file is very important and must contain all theinformation that went into the manufacture of the lifting beam.

Should a lifting beam fail in service, then it is this technical file thatwill be scrutinised. If it cannot be proven that other factors, such asmisuse, were not to blame for the failure, then it is vital thatinformation within the technical file shows that the manufacturer hasdone everything reasonably practicable to ensure the safety of theequipment.

The technical file does not have to be a physical entity, but it must beable to be assembled from various sources should the need arise.

See next page for information required.



Information required for a technicalfile

Typical information that should form a technical file for lifting beam isas follows:

· A list of the EHSRs which apply to the lifting beam· A description of the methods used to eliminate hazards or reduce

risks· A list of standards to which the equipment has been made. This

should include standards used for accessories that are suppliedfitted to the beam, such as shackles, chains, wire ropes, etc.

· Information from the user. This should include such detail as tothe geometry and mass of the load, including the centre ofgravity. Details of the lifting appliance should be included, suchas the size of the hook, the SWL and the work envelope betweenthe appliance and the load is also important.

· Design information. Calculations, detailed drawings andfabrication / welding procedures.

· Material traceability. Details of all materials and assembliesshould be retained in the technical file. This could be a millcertificate for steelwork or an EC Declaration of Conformity for asling.

· Test reports – these could be the reports of a load test or a non-destructive test done on the welds.

· Instructions for use

On completion of the technical file an EC Declaration of Conformitycan be drawn up for the lifting beam(s) which should be added to thefile.(Back to table of contents)



10. Verification methods

With regard to strength, there are two main criteria to verify:

1. At the proof force, the maximum stress must be withinthe yield stress of the material being used.

2. At the minimum failure force, the load must not bereleased.

It is acceptable to verify these criteria using either of, or acombination of, two techniques, calculation or load test.Sections 10 and 11 address each method.

In some cases the beam will be designed such that it canrotate or tilt. It may also have moving parts that can traversealong the beam.

These items require additional design and verificationmethods to be adopted. Section 15 addresses lifting beamswith moving parts.




11. Verification through Calculation

The person producing the calculations must have sufficient theoreticalknowledge and experience of lifting beams to ensure that the design issafe and fit for purpose. It is also recommended that these calculationsare suitably checked.

However, it should be noted that this does not necessarily have to bedone by another competent person, as often or not computersimulation is used in the verification of lifting beams.

When using computer simulation it is advisable that the results arechecked by simple hand calculation. These hand calculations should beable to ascertain if the stress is about right or if the beam is deflectingthe correct way.

The calculations used and or computer simulation must accuratelysimulate the in-service forces that will be induced by the load.Consideration must be given to the nature of the load.

For example, is it flexible or rigid? If the load is flexible, then thebeam may require sufficient rigidity to prevent the load beingdamaged.

Conversely a rigid load may require some flexibility in the lifting beamto ensure uniformity of loading.

Examples of the type of calculation that must be considered are asfollows:

· - Critical buckling loads.

Note: that with some spreader beams the compression load will beapplied eccentrically due to the shackle point being offset from thebeam axis by the pad eye. (Continued next page)



Solving equations for eccentric buckling can be quite time consumingas the critical buckling load cannot be solved explicitly and a root-finding technique using numerical methods has to be used. To savetime designers often use widely accepted computational methodswhere successive substitution with assured convergence can beapplied. MathCAD and FEA are examples of such software.

· - Bending, shear and torsional stresses.· - Lateral buckling of the flange or web of a beam. Refer to BSEN 1993-1-1 clauses 5.5.2, 5.5.4 and 5.6).· - Shear and bearing stresses for pad eyes.· - Weld or bolt stress calculations (note a minimum of grade 8.8bolts should be used).· - Brittle fracture. Refer to table A.3

The limiting factors imposed by EN 13155 are that at two timesthe WLL the maximum stress must be within the yield stress of thematerial being used. At three times the WLL a nonlinear analysis of thestructure must be done to ensure that critical parts of the structurewill not fail such that the load is released, although permanentdeformation is allowed.

Note: the design factors only take into consideration the dynamiceffects of lifting and do not include wind loads. Depending on theenvironment where the lifting beam is to be operated the windpressure load on the item being lifted and the structure itself may alsoneed to be included in the analysis.

The position of the lifting points on the load will affect stability if theyare at or below the Centre of Gravity (COG).

It should be noted that the design calculations, being based onidealistic theoretical assumptions, cannot account for everything. It istherefore recommended that the beam is thoroughly examined by acompetent person before putting into service. The extent of thisexamination would be down to the competent person and may includeNDT of critical welds.



Tel: 0161 223 1990- INT: 00 44 161 223 1990 - Email: [email protected] - Web: www.dlhonline.co.uk 17

12. Verification through test

A load test should always be planned on the assumption that the itemunder test might fail and adequate precautions should be in place toprevent injury to any persons and damage to anything other than theitem under test.

If the minimum failure force is not verified by calculation, then, whenusing this method alone, at least one lifting beam will have to bedestroyed.

An adequate test specification must be drawn up against the designcriteria and acceptance criteria such as maximum permissibledeflections or deformations for worst case loading conditions must beincluded in the specification.

For modular or adjustable lifting beams the worst case configuration(s)must be used for the test.

To meet the design criteria the test must accurately simulate the in-service loading conditions for which the beam has been designed,including a tolerance on orientation in use.

There are two common types of load testing that can be deployed bythe tester to achieve this and they are described in section 13 andsection 14:




13. Load testing with weights

· Test weights must be pre-weighed or used with a load cell in theline.

· The lifting appliance must be of adequate strength withsufficient head room.

· For higher capacity beams, containers may be required to housethe weights and the self- weight of these containers must beconsidered.

· For loads that can flex, the test weights must be applied suchthat they can accurately simulate this affect.

To achieve this it may be required that a jig or mock-up of theload to be lifted is fabricated.

This may even require a controlled lift of the product to belifted. However, testing by means of applied force may provemore accurate and cost effective in this instance.

· For loads that are rigid, the test weights must act as a singlerigid load.




14. Load testing by means of anapplied force

· The force can be applied by means of hydraulic or pneumaticactuators or by mechanical means such as wire rope pullingmachines.

· The test rig(s) must have a calibrated load sensor or a calibratedload cell must be used in the load path. This equipment must becalibrated to BS EN 7500-1 and have an accuracy of no less than+/-2%

· By fixing the beam at the point where the lifting appliance hookwould fit it is possible to use multiple applied force devices, withvariable loads and amplitudes to accurately simulate a flexibleload.

· Using this method it is possible to undertake separate tests forvarious elements of the lifting beam.

To ascertain whether or not the acceptance criteria has been met, thetester will need to use measuring equipment.

This measuring equipment will depend on the acceptance criteria, butit must be calibrated, and may include dial test indicators, straingauges, etc.

Equipment used for measuring deflections must have a resolution suchas to allow the measurement to within +/-5% of the permitteddeflection of the structure under test.

Following the proof force test the beam must be thoroughly examined.This examination may include an NDT of the critical welds.

Other details of the thorough examination can be found in section 4.0of this guidance.




15.Verification of lifting beams withmoving parts

If the lifting beam is designed to tilt then the manufacturer isresponsible for specifying the maximum permissible tilt from thehorizontal. The beam can be verified through calculation or test, butwhichever method is used then it is important that all the criteriaspecified in section 13 and section 14 are addressed with the beam atan additional 6 degrees to the maximum intended tilt angle.

Some lifting beams will facilitate adjustment under load, manipulationor orientation of the load or other complications. In this case the testshould be repeated at several positions throughout the range ofmovement. These positions should be selected to simulate the worstoperational conditions and take account of the tilting tolerancerequired.

If the free movement of the tilting or rotating mechanism presents ahazard then it is important that the mechanism is equipped with adevice to stop movement and to immobilise the load in its intendedposition.

In addition to the above some lifting beams will also have movableparts; such has pad eyes that can be adjusted along the length of thebeam. It is important that any movable part is effectively held in placewhen under load. When the spacing between these moving parts iscontrolled by a power source, protection devices must be incorporatedto prevent crushing and shearing hazards as specified in BS EN349:1993+A1:2008.

The devices described above used to hold the movable component ofthe lifting beam in place under load, must be effective up to 6 degreesfrom the maximum intended tilting angle permitted for the liftingbeam. If the devices work using friction then the frictional force shouldbe a least twice friction force is at least twice the force due (cont’d)



to the self-weight of the parts and the working load limit for themaximum intended tilting angle plus 6 degrees.

1. As with the main structural calculations the verification of therestraining device can be done by calculation or by test. Each methodis detailed as follows:

1. Calculation – The calculations should address all the criteria asoutlined in section 13 However, if the beam can tilt then the analysisshould be undertaken with the beam at plus 6 degrees from themaximum intended tilting angle. If the devices operate on a frictionbasis, the calculations shall demonstrate that at least two times theforce due to the self- weight of the parts and the working load limit forthe maximum intended tilting angle plus 6 degrees.

2. Test – The criteria set out in section 14 should be followed inaddition to the following procedure.With the moving part locked in position by means of its lockingmechanism a force equal to two time WLL should be applied for aminimum of 1 minute at an angle of 6 degrees in excess of thatspecified by the manufacturer. The test should be carried out in bothdirections about the horizontal axis for each available locking position.If the moving part does not have a predetermined position but locks byfriction, the test must be carried out at the two extremes of travel andat one intermediate part.

After the force has been removed then the moving part and the lockingmechanism must be thoroughly examined by a competent person. Tobe considered acceptable, the part and the locking mechanism mustsustain the load without slippage, deformation or failure. After releaseof the load there must not be any visible defects and the device muststill operate freely.




16. Verification of ancillary items

Most lifting beams will be fitted with supplementary lifting accessoriesthat are used to connect the lifting beam to the load and/or the liftingappliance.

Examples of such accessories are typically, slings, swivel hooks,fabricated plate hooks, grabs, clamps, magnets and vacuum lifters.

For ancillary equipment that has been bought in, information such asthe EC Declaration of Conformity, manufacturer’s certificate andinstructions for use and maintenance must be included in the technicalfile for the beam assembly.

The instructions for use must be supplied with the beam assembly orincorporated in the beam assembly’s instructions for use andmaintenance.

Other items should be verified in accordance with an appropriateharmonised standard. Common standards to consider would be BS EN13155, BS EN 818 and BS EN 13414.




17. Attaching the lifting beam to thecrane and load

Connections to the crane or the load should be capable of being lockedbefore lifting so as to prevent any accidental uncoupling. For examplea shackle with a bolt, nut and cotter pin should be used.

If the lifting beam has suspended parts means shall be provided toadequately protect them from damage during coupling or uncouplingthe lifting beam to or from the crane.

In the case where lifting beams have moving parts that can betraversed along the beam then there should be a means at each end ofthe beam to prevent them from falling off.

These moving parts must also have a device that will lock them inposition when under load. If the means of locking the load attachmentpoints is operated manually, then the state of locking must be visibleto the operator.




18. Beam markings and Identification

The self-weight of the lifting beam or spreader is usually a significantpart of the total weight on the lifting machine so should always beincluded in the calculation.

It is normal practice to mark the lifting beam or spreader with its self-weight. In the case of permanent assemblies such as a lifting beamwith magnets, that will be the weight of the complete assembly.

The beam or spreader should have its own unique identification marks.Most lifting beams and spreaders have ancillary items such as slingsand shackles which are detachable although normally kept as anassembly.

In such cases it is normal practice to mark each item with an ID marklinked to that of the assembly.

The certification for the lifting beam or spreader should cover thecomplete assembly, listing the main ID and those linked to it.

Multipurpose items may utilise general purpose lifting accessoriesselected by the rigger for the particular application. In that case eachaccessory should have its own unique ID and certification.




19. Markings

The lifting beam must be marked with the following information:

· The name and address of the manufacturer

· The CE mark

· The serial number

· Year of construction

· Total mass of the assembly

· Maximum working load in tonnes or kilograms

Note 1:Where the maximum working load depends on the configuration of thelifting beam, each operating position must be provided with a loadplate indicating, preferably in diagrammatic form or by means oftables, the working load for each configuration

Note 2:Where the orientation of the beam is not obvious, this should also beindicated. A ‘this way up’ arrow may suffice.

Note 3:Occasionally lifting beams are fitted with fork lift truck pockets. Thesepockets are either intended to allow a fork lift truck to lift the loadwith the lifting beam or to allow the beam to be moved from locationto location only.Whatever the intention, it is important that they are markedappropriately.




20. Considerations for headroom

If the lifting beam or spreader is for use with a double girder crane,remember that the upper limit switch is usually set so that the bottomblock will rise up between the girders.

This will allow the lifting beam to foul the girders before the limitswitch operates. Adjustment of the limit switch or a secondaryoperational limit is necessary. Relying on the operator is not goodpractice.

As with most equipment, lifting beams and spreaders have somelimitations. Nevertheless they have many advantages and provide amethod of handling loads which cannot easily be handled by othermeans.




21. Storage.

It is important that when the lifting beam is not required it can bestored such that it stable and protected from damage.To be regarded as stable it must not tip over when tilted to angle of 10degrees in any direction.

This can be achieved by adding feet to the design or by the provisionof additional equipment such as a stand for example.

If the equipment is fitted with ancillary equipment then the storageshould also incorporate suitable design features to provide effectiveprotection.

Alternatively these items should be removed and stored separately. Inthe latter case the identity of the equipment must be maintained.




22. Instructions for use andmaintenance.

Instructions for use and maintenance must be supplied with the beam.The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association has produced numeroussafety information leaflets that can be used as a guide to theproduction of such a document, most notably reference to SI 8.3Lifting Beams and Spreaders should be made.

Instructions for safe use and storage

Read safe use instructions

For modular lifting beams details of the range of configurations andassociated safe working loads should also be included. This can bedone by means of supplying detailed assembly drawings.

In addition to the above if it is not obvious as to the orientation of thebeam, this information should also be provided and again schematicsare the simplest method of doing this.




23. In-service inspection of lifting beams

Under LOLER lifting beams are considered as lifting accessories andmust be examined at least every 6 months, in accordance with andexamination scheme (refer to LEEA 032 for guidance) or afterexceptional circumstances.

The examinations should include the following:

· Checked for clear identification number.

· Checked for clear making of SWL

· Checked main body of beam is free from distortion, corrosion,cracks, gouges, or wear.

· Checked all welded connections are free from cracking orcorrosion.

· Checked that any bolted connections are free from corrosion andcracking and that all are secure using the correct bolts.

· Checked that any shackles fitted are free from distortion, nicks,gouges or wear.

· Checked that all shackle pins are captivated preferably with anut and pin arrangement. Note: this list is not exhaustive,different configurations may require additional checks.




24. Verification of repaired andmodification lifting beams

Lifting beams will inevitably get knocked about or even misused inservice resulting in damage and the need for repair.

Whenever a Lifting beam is damaged requiring repair it is advised thatthe cause of the damage be investigated. It may be that theequipment is no longer adequate for the task.

Repair and verification due to in-service wear and tear

If a beam is to be repaired it is advisable that the original designspecification is consulted.

Where this is not feasible then the repairer will have to takeresponsibility to ensure that the correct materials and components areused.

To that end the repairer must have adequate information about theapplication the lifting beam is used for.

A record of the repairs and details of the components used should berecorded on a job card and retained with the maintenance log of theequipment.

Following the repair the equipment should be thoroughly examined bya competent person.

In the case of a significant repair the beam may need to be NDT and orload tested.



Modification and verification

There are a variety of reasons why a lifting beam will be modifiedduring its life.

It may be that the product it lifts has been altered requiring differentdistances between lift points or an increase in weight for example.

Whatever the reason it is important that the original designspecification, test data, and technical file is referred to.

In the absence of this information then the person responsible for themodification will have to make assumptions as to certain aspects of thedesign in order to minimise the risk.

For example they may assume the lowest grade of steel for calculationpurposes.

The modification would then have to be treated as making newequipment from second hand components and it is thereforerecommended that sections 8 – 19 of this guidance is followed.

An EC Declaration of Conformity will then have to be drawn up.




25. Our servicesWhether it's a Jet Fighter, Luxury Yacht, Printing Press, MuseumExhibit or Rubbish Skip - You will want to do it safely!

With an in-house design and manufacturing team and currently over100 years of combined knowledge in the supply of innovative liftingsolutions, we are your one-stop source for all lifting applications.

Our ISO 9001 service and membership of the Lifting EquipmentEngineers Association makes us your number one choice in helping youmake that lift in safety.

Our lifting beams are used to lift 1000's of tonnes around the world byAeronautical, Construction, Marine, Manufacturing and Logisticscompanies.

As members of the Lifting Equipment EngineersAssociation, we fully comply with LEEA Guidance - TheVerification of Spreader Beams, Lifting Beams and LiftingFrames - in the design, manufacture and testing of ourlifting beams and spreaders.

We can also provide proof load testing to client’s new equipment andfollowing modification or repair.

Special Note:

For proof load tests of new equipment, where we have not beencontracted to provide design calculations, we will provide a report ofproof load test for inclusion in the responsible person’s technical file.

This document will provide a description of the item, identificationmarkings, manufacturers’ name, proof loads applied and test results,which will include deflections.

The integrity of design, manufacture and intended use will remain withthe responsible person. Who must issue the declaration of conformity,affix the SWL, CE marking and instructions for safe use.




Contacting us

Click on the button (left) for more information aboutour bespoke lifting beams and spreader beams designand manufacturing service.

For more advice or to purchase the right equipment for yourapplication you can contact our lifting beam design team:

DLH ONLINE

DALELifting and Handling

2 Kelbrook RoadManchesterM11 2QA

UK. 0161 223 1990Intl. 00 44 161 223 1990

fax. 0161 223 6767email [email protected]

Website www.dlhonline.co.uk

VAT No. 145 5891 42



https://www.dlhonline.co.uk/lifting-hoisting-and-winching/lifting-beams-spreaders

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GUIDE TO LIFTING BEAMS AND SPREADERS · There is a harmonised European Standard, EN 13155, which...

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